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on the go: THE POLO BAR- NYC

Adjacent to the Ralph Lauren store on 55th St, you will find a host outside, iPad in hand, checking off a list of reservations. Prior to this dinner engagement, I had seen photos of the food at this new hotspot. It is the reason I was prompted to make reservations in the first place. When you call, the host is sure to tell you that there are limited spots available and you need to reserve one month in advance. I guess you can call my friend and I lucky, because we were able to snag a table at this restaurant at 11PM on a Friday night with only two weeks notice. If that’s the best they can do, so be it.

I arrived inside the restaurant first. I wore a tight blue American Apparel pencil dress that hugged my body just enough to make it sexy without being provocative. I stood near the upstairs bar as I waited for my roommate to arrive. Within minutes, she walks in looking ravishing as always. Tonight in particular, her outfit stood out, mainly because it was the very same dress that I was wearing. We both shuddered in embarrassment. When you’ve been friends this long, you start to think alike- too alike. But now wasn’t the time to scurry home and change. We sucked it up and were escorted to our table downstairs. 

We sat between a middle aged group of black women and three trust fund college kids wearing matching bowties. The table on the left appeared to be from out of town, while the table on the right just got off the school bus from Princeton. It was apparent that this restaurant drew in a diverse crowd of patrons. However, the decor is on the verge of exclusive country club. I felt as though I could be in an upscale movie scene, but at the same time, a comedy skit that purposely overdid the scenario. 

Art with stern faced men holding mallets on polo horses framed the walls. The wooden and brown leather theme encompassed the entire restaurant, while adding subtle hints of green plaid. The staff was dressed impeccably down to the shoes, with manners that only an etiquette teacher would expect. After they offered us water, we were helped to ‘complimentary warm, cheese crusted popovers,’ or in other words, bread. At that point we looked at each other and knew this place was too fancy for the both of us.

I took a look at the menu, which screams all American, and was immediately drawn to the pigs in a blanket for $14. It was great to see a sense of humor on the menu. Although I was tempted to see what this dish was all about here at the Polo Bar, my friend and I opted for the tuna tartare and burger to share instead. When the food arrived, it didn’t come with share plates. They actually split it for us onto separate plates. A service oriented gesture like this hasn’t been done since I was at L’agrifoglio Ristorante in Torino splitting gnocchi! The Polo Bar definitely goes out of their way service wise. Although we had a late reservation, we didn’t feel rushed out. Our server, Carlos, was attentive, charismatic and nice to look at, so that obviously didn’t hurt. 

When it came down to the food, I was left with little to no words. The denomination of Polo Bar holds weight, hence why I was excited to try it. The food wasn’t bad. It wasn’t remarkable. It was just good. The tuna tartare was great. It was fresh and well prepared. As for the burger, I would give it a B+. It seemed to be a staple piece on the menu, but it didn’t live up to 'The Polo Bar Burger’ name. There are cheaper, better burgers in this city. 

Will I be back at The Polo Bar? Maybe. I may have friends in town who need to experience this showy all American restaurant. But will I lose sleep over it until I can return? Probably not. Now when I think of this restaurant, I’m not sure if the word that will come to mind is 'fancy' or 'pretentious', but either way, it was not for me. If you’re ever planning a night out (with one month advance notice!), try out the Polo Bar and tell me what you think.

ABOUT | Closing Chapters

"Did you hear the news?" she asked.

"Good news or bad news?" I asked wearily.

"Micky..."

I knew what was coming. My eyes swelled with tears.

"When?"

"Two or three months ago."

How could two or three months go by without me receiving the news of his passing? So many thoughts flooded in my head and I couldn't handle it. It was a truly solemn moment that will pain me every time I think back to it. I know that death is inevitable, but I always assumed I would have more time with him. He was always just a phone call, text, or postcard away! And silly me, I assumed that we would always be able to pick up where we left off.

When I moved to Poland, I stopped contact with a lot of people. Sometimes, that's what distance does. But I never forget about the special guests who come into my life, even if for just a short time. Micky was a special man. And he always made me feel like I was a special girl. Although it had been months since we spoke, I could still hear his voice and see his facial expressions so clearly. It's hard to forget someone like him. He believed I had all the potential in the world. He encouraged me. He gave me advice. He taught me that life is always worth living. And I feel honored to have known such a cool, genuine, one of a kind man.

Micky, if you could read this right now, rest assured that I will make it to Cafe Riazor, have the almejas, some tequila, and reminisce of the GREAT and hilarious times we had there. It is currently putting a smile on my face as I write. I can tell people about the cool Bronx kid who ended up in the hearts of many. Micky, I cannot thank you enough for inviting me into your world and allowing me to know you.

In these past weeks, life has changed in ways that I didn't expect. Aside from the news of my friend's passing, I also made the decision to stay in New York. When you see how life can change in an instant, you're encouraged even more to follow the path that you want to follow. I am so grateful to have experienced the culture of Poland. It would not have been something I would do on my own. Therefore, the experience was worth it.

It's not always easy. It's not always hard. But it always has to happen.

Closing chapters.

POP QUIZ #2

This second pop quiz is focusing on facts and tidbits about Bangkok, as well as how to say different foods and phrases in the Polish language. Good luck!

Expand for the answers below.

on the go: WARSAW EATS

Today we're in Warsaw and we're focused on food. What I love about Warsaw is the wide array of choices and cuisines that always seem to be popping up. Finding a good restaurant here is not difficult at all. Just keep your eyes open and follow me along the way. Here's the latest vlog on EATS in WARSAW:

Well I don't know about you guys, but I'm full. Thanks for coming along. See you next time!

For more Warsaw restaurants, this site should help: warsawfoodie.pl 

Happy eating!

on the go: BANGKOK

"The best thing you can be in the Philippines is a mixed breed- half White/half Asian. They will love you." This conversation I had a decade ago with my Asian friends came flooding back to me when I landed at the Bangkok airport. One of the first advertisements I saw was for Snail White, a skin bleaching cream. My immediate thoughts were, 'oh my, are all these people bleached white skin crazy and will my dark skin be looked down upon?' As I entered the blistering hot city, one of the first women I saw was carrying an umbrella to protect her overly whitened face. I have heard about the skin bleaching phenomenon before, but now here I was in the heart of it. It was fascinating and shocking all at the same time. As my days in Thailand passed, it was fairly noticeable if a girl bleached her face or not. Usually, if they went overboard, the results were not fantastic.

But I couldn't blame some girls for being brainwashed into thinking they need these things. It's the same influence as makeup, plastic surgery, and hair extensions in America. In Bangkok, more than half the ads I saw were with White people or people with white skin. When I watched the TV commercials on the train, it was once again- only white skin Thai people. Some of the people appeared to be half breeds, as well. I never like to pry into people's personal lives and thoughts, but when the topic of skin color and/or tanning was mentioned, my ears were peeled. I wanted more insight into what people think.

POP QUIZ

Have you been paying attention?! So far, I've posted about Warsaw in Poland and Barcelona in Spain. It's time to learn more about these places with a pop quiz! See how much you know:

How did you do? I hope it wasn't too hard! We are talking about Thailand next. 

Stay tuned!